Get Driving -> VEHICLE LOADING Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

Driving

Maintenance and Modifications

The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed

and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty

and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor

Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such

as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by

using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.

Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make

it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.

Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle

equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box

cover).

Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase

your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities

and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of

vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to

heavy off-road usage.

DRIVING THROUGH WATER

If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very

slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water

that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of

the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited

and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake

and severely damage your engine.

Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle

slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do

not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes. Driving through deep

water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow

water into the transmission and cause internal transmission

damage.

VEHICLE LOADING

Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:

• Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard

equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or

aftermarket equipment.

• Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants

and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight

rating minus base curb weight.

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• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload

weight.

• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum allowable total

weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.

The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety

Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.

• GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): Carrying capacity for each axle

system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the

Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.

• GCW (Gross Combined Weight): The combined weight of the

towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.

• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Maximum allowable

combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)

and the loaded trailer.

• Maximum Trailer Weight Rating: Maximum weight of a trailer the

vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is

determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each

engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer

towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing

vehicle.

• Maximum Trailer Weight: Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded

vehicle (including occupants and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is

determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing

vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.

• Trailer Weight Range: Specified range of trailer weight from zero to

the maximum trailer weight rating.

Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when

figuring the total weight.

The Safety Certification Label, located on the driver’s door pillar, lists

vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any additional equipment,

refer to these limitations.

Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment is

within the weight limitations, including both gross vehicle weight and

front and rear gross axle weight rating limits.

Note: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the

certification label.

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Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in

serious damage to the vehicle, loss of vehicle control, vehicle

rollover, and/or personal injury.

Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the

originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR

limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do

not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

SPECIAL LOADING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OWNERS OF PICKUP

TRUCKS AND UTILITY-TYPE VEHICLES

For important information regarding safe operation of this type

of vehicle, see the Preparing to drive your vehicle section in

this chapter.

Loaded vehicles may handle differently than unloaded vehicles.

Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping

distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.

Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.

Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and

people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.

Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow

1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in the Trailer Towing

section in this chapter) for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.

2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, take your

vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks.

3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart.

This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be

below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.

TRAILER TOWING

Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow

option package.

Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,

transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to

maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment

while towing.

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Driving -> VEHICLE LOADING for Your Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

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